Surprise, Surprise – Last Minute Transfer Catches Us All Out!

Just about to got bed on Friday night and switch the tv off when Skysports jolted me back with the statement that Arsenal have signed Lassana Diarra from Chelsea for an undisclosed fee!! Why is it that no amounts are ever mentioned with transfers in or out of the club! Anyway, absolutely amazed that Chelsea have released the player even if was in the last year of his contract and,even more staggered that they released him knowing that Wenger has always rated the player and signing him would strengthen our squad. I know, like most Arsenal fans,that I felt Wenger should have signed a proper left sided winger but maybe (cross fingers) Rosicky and Da Silva will get more used to filling that left sided role as the season progresses – time will tell!Â Signing Diarra will be like signing two more players because, as the official club site confirms, he is able to play in midfield or fullback positions. I also remember seeing a quote from somewhere that France sees Diarra and Diaby as a future midfield pairing for their first team but, with Raymond Domenech still the French manager, not too sure if that is a good thing from Arsenal’s point of view! It will be very interesting to see where Wenger decides to play him initiallyin the first team.I would also love to know how this transfer was carried out without a sniff or rumour from the media – they must have employed spies all over the place this week but cannot recall seeing anything on the radar over the last few days! Also, he should be eligible to play in all the Champions League games that are coming up to ensure that key members in our midfield particularly are not played in every game. So will be interested to receive comments from other fans as to their first thoughts about this signing! Martin